Last week, IL Corn and ISA wrapped up our third Farm Progress Show in a shared booth space, with rave reviews from our farmer members and checkoff contributors. Board members and staff alike were pleased with the conversations, interactions, and notable visits during the three-day event, August 29-31.

“The Farm Progress Show is an excellent opportunity to connect with the farmers in Illinois. Farmer members want to know what we’re working on legislatively and we are able to highlight that at the show. Checkoff contributors deserve to understand more about how their dollars are being spent and we’re excited to showcase those programs. And, of course, there are farmers that we have never met and are excited to visit with about all the opportunities for corn farmers in Illinois,” said IL Corn Executive Director Rodney Weinzierl.

Among other accomplishments, here’s what IL Corn achieved during the 2023 Farm Progress Show:

• 230 comments to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration docket
• 360 ICGA members checked in and got a free gift
• 199 farmers and agribusiness leaders gave us permission to contact them via text with additional advocacy opportunities
• 650 entries for the Precision Conservation Management giveaway which translated into almost this many conversations about on-farm conservation practices
• 56 students shared their contact information for scholarship info and future outreach
• Five legislators/dignitaries visiting the tent
• 18 media interviews/coverage documented
• 13 partners exhibiting and sharing our stories and projects
• 3,200 brisket and Italian beef samples provided by IL Beef Association to highlight the partnership between corn and corn-fed beef in Illinois

In addition, IL Corn was a partner in three larger events. One highlight was the Future of Biofuels Panel on the Farm Progress Show state on Wednesday, with several important partners including Rep. Budzinski discussing the Next Generation Fuels Act and how we might all work together to build a sustainable future for corn-based ethanol and liquid fuels.

IL Corn also celebrated the naming of the first Illinois Leopold Award winner, the Frey Family from Hamilton County.  The Freys have implemented several conservation practices to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat at their beef cattle and grain farm.

Finally, IL Corn was a partner in the release of the Illinois Fertilizer Retailer Survey, helping the industry gather information to understand fertilizer inputs and application practices. This work is impactful in our pursuit of cleaner water and more efficient use of nutrients.

We had an amazing week! If we didn’t get to connect with you, check out this summary of the work we showcased with ISA, live from the Farm Progress Show!

Executive Directors from IL Corn & Illinois Soybean Association start off and then interview ends with biofuels	Precision Conservation Management & Trade with IL Corn & Illinois Soybean staff and board members	We are 96 consumer campaign and farmer advocacy updates with staff and board members